Miami-Dade Police Shoot Two Pet Dogs, Kill One

Police can't even seem to break up a dog fight without the use of bullets.

Miami-Dade Police opened fire on two escaped pet dogs that got into a fight with a police K9 yesterday afternoon. One of the dogs died, while the other is in an animal hospital requiring serious surgery.

The incident happened near the intersection of SW 117th Avenue and 223rd Street while police were searching for a burglar, according to Local 10.

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The two dogs escaped from their fenced-in yard, and one of the dogs attacked the K9 by biting its neck. The officers claim they couldn't pry the dog away, so they shot it. Officers then shot the other dog even though it was not biting the police dog. The K9 was not seriously injured in the attack.

Police claim the dogs were pit bulls -- which are banned in Miami-Dade County -- though the owners say they are American bulldogs. American bulldogs are not considered a distinct breed, however, and are also banned in Miami-Dade.

One dog died near the family's driveway. Another, seriously bloodied, retreated to the family's front door. Local 10 has graphic photos of the aftermath that are not for the faint of heart.

"I was devastated. I've had him since he was a baby," owner Amy Rojas told the station.

The surviving dog may need shoulder surgery, but the family can't afford to pay for it. South Kendall Animal Hospital is taking donations.